Pitts named Citizen of the Year

A tearful Maria Elena “Nena” Castillo-Pitts understands her involvement in the community comes from the heart as she holds many clubs dear to her. For her commitment to those organizations and her commitment to Alice, she was named the 2011 Alice Citizen of the Year.
“I am not use to being called by real name and just Nena so it took me a bit,” Pitts said. “I am really honored. When I began volunteering I did not do it for the recognition or accolades but because each organization benefits the community.”
Pitts’ commitment to the community did not go unrecognized. An out-of-town committee selected her among eight entries submitted to the Alice Chamber of Commerce. Nominations were received in sealed envelopes and delivered to the committee by two board members of the Chamber.
“When we saw her package and her involvement and dedication, we knew she was a right choice,” the selection committee said.
Pitts is an is an ex-reservist in the Military Services, an alumni of Leadership Jim Wells County, served as the United Way chairperson, a supporter of Relay For Life, March of Dimes, Alice Counseling Center, Alice Ambassadors, Vice President of the
Alice Chamber of Commerce, API, Vice President South Texas Social Workers Society, Crime Stoppers of South Texas and president of the Alice Mothers Club.
“I share this award with the people who serve on these organizations with me. All these organizations I am passionate about. But Relay for Life means so much to me. We need to unite to fight Cancer. Within the past 24 hours I lost a dear friend to breast cancer and learned of someone dear to me that was diagnosed with Breast Cancer,” Pitts said.
With her many roles, Pitts mentored at least seven seniors at Alice High School and helped organize the Junior Achievement program at William Adams Middle School. She also helped our local schools by serving as an officer for the Alice High School Band Boosters as well as a PTA member and officer for 15 years.
Pitts’ passion includes the role of a mother and grandmother as children are an important role in her life. She has served as a Little Miss Kickball Coach, soccer coach and a T-Ball coach for the Alice Boys & Girls Club. She is the current Vice President of the South Texas Medical Society, where she takes her job as a health worker beyond just Alice, but the entire Coastal Bend. Family and God are her priorities, and she serves as a Team Leader at Bay Area Fellowship Church.
“I work with outstanding individuals, Doctors, nurses and individuals who care about life and the value of it. My mentors have taught me to stay positive, Phyllis Findley, Margot Rios taught me to have passion for compassion and Paulette Barker-Southard my teacher instilled in me that I could do anything I set my mind to,” Pitts said. “Thanks to my husband, for his support and my family. Thank you to this wonderful community.”